Bourgas, Bulgaria

The city of Bourgas is the second largest city on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It is also the fourth largest city in the country, following Sofia, Plovdiv and connecting Varna. It is situated in the farthest western part of the Bourgas Bay and 390km east of Sofia. Due to the low level of the coastin the area, three lagoon-lakes (the Atanassovo, Bourgas, and Mandren lakes) lie in the area surrounding the city.

Bourgas has a relaxed atmosphere with good shopping and an abundance of restaurants and outdoor cafés. The Sea Park is situated on a high shore, all of it cut by flowerbeds, trees and sculptures. Within the park there is the casino, a small zoo and the open-air theatre.

The central beach is situated below the Sea Park, a beautiful forked staircase in verdure leads to the beach. The city has a northern beach, too, close to the Izgrev Quarter, adjacent to the salt-mines.

Things to See & Do

* Sea Park
* District Museum of History
* St. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
* Art Gallery
* Opera House

General Information

Cruise Season - Feb to Dec
Currency - Lev (BGN)
Language - Bulgarian
Land Area - 218.82 km²
Population - 200,000 approx.
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC plus two hours
International Country Telephone Code - +359

Port Location - The port is located on the outskirts of the city of Burghaz.

Travel Links - The Bourgas Airport operates regular flights to Sofia every day. During the summer season, there are up to 7 flights daily in both directions. Flying time to the capital city is about 40min. The airport is an international one and sees increased traffic, including charter flights, during the summer.

The railway station of Bourgas has connections to all parts of the country. The express train to Sofia travels less than 6.30 hours.

The city's central bus station is located next to the railway station. Buses to the country's largest cities, including Sofia start from there. There are also a lot of private carriers that offer transport to towns and resorts to the north and south of Bourgas along the coast.

There is regular city transport - buses, trolley-buses and route taxis.